GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: mariamartinez on 29 September 2017, 08:09
-
Hi, I am buying a new golf from VW in UK. as per previous threads I prefer a certain upgrade of alloys......vw own brand...the nogaro actually..... genuine product etc not a rip off. I had already bought the wheels and tyres (although not from the my dealer) and had the tyres fitted and balanced so it a case of swapping the wheels on the ramp. As I am buying new I want this to be done at the time of purchase (and preserve the stock wheels and tyres). I had foolishly thought the dealer would do this as a courtesy. However they "kindly" offered to do it for £130 quoting 1 hour of ramp time on top of the total purchase cost of the vehicle which is about £25k. Any comments?
-
I suppose it depends on what sort of discount you are getting for them to have any margin left in the car for courtesies. However i'd say £130 is very steep to swap 4 wheels over.
I have a trolley jack that cost me £50, now i've used it a few times and got used to it swapping wheels over isn't really that difficult. But if you don't feel confident enough to do it yourself i'm sure most tyre fitters or independent garages would charge far less than that.
-
I'll do it for £125 if you want!
Seriously though, how far would you need to drive it before you would get the chance to change them yourself?
If it's less than 50ish miles then for that same £130 you could buy yourself a trolley jack (with a decent rubber lifting pad), a set of wheel chocks, one of those extendable wheel wrenches and a torque wrench and I guarantee that after a good clean, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a new wheel and tyre and yours apart from a slightly rougher looking tread - they'll still have been driven a certain distance (probably less than 10 miles) when you pick it up. It'll probably still have the bobbles on the tyres too.
If you've already got the stuff listed above to do it, it's a no brainer - I am assuming here you are fit and well enough to do it yourself obviously!
-
If they won't play ball for whatever reason and you don't want to do it yourself why not go back to the tyre depot that supplied, fitted & balanced the new tyres to your Nogaros.
They shouldn't charge much to swop the wheels over certainly no way £130 !
My tyre dealer who I use & trust doesn't charge me to swop on/off my winters wheels which saves me time & effort even though I have the equipment. Good old fashion customer service to get repeat business.
-
£130 to swap wheels over... :grin: :grin: :grin:
Borrow or buy a trolley jack and do it yourself!
-
Not sure which I'm more surprised about, the cost for the dealer to do it or you wanting to risk the dealer damaging either or both sets of of wheels.
-
Not sure which I'm more surprised about, the cost for the dealer to do it or you wanting to risk the dealer damaging either or both sets of of wheels.
are you seriously suggesting changing the wheels at a main dealer risks damaging the wheels???
-
The problem I have is that the dealer is not close to my home address, and its much simpler to change the alloys on the ramp with the pneumatic drill than by hand in the forecourt on the day of collection. Also having upgraded the alloys its much nicer to have a handover of the car with the better alloys and the inferior ones (in my eyes) and then messing about either in the forecourt or driving to a unknown tyre garage. I am just shocked that they are 1. claiming it takes 1hour in the workshop and 2. don't consider this a courtesy as ill be handing over 25k at the same time.
-
Not sure which I'm more surprised about, the cost for the dealer to do it or you wanting to risk the dealer damaging either or both sets of of wheels.
are you seriously suggesting changing the wheels at a main dealer risks damaging the wheels???
What I'm saying is that even having your car in a VW dealers is dangerous for it. Where are you collecting the car from?
-
Literally just phoned a local garage for a price comparison. £8.50 per wheel fitting. Assuming the true labour cost is say £5 per wheel that means the real cost is £20......ignoring the unbelievable mark up by VW, it means that they are quite happy to irritate the hell out of customers for £20 (cost price ) buying a brand new car.
-
The problem I have is that the dealer is not close to my home address, and its much simpler to change the alloys on the ramp with the pneumatic drill than by hand in the forecourt on the day of collection. Also having upgraded the alloys its much nicer to have a handover of the car with the better alloys and the inferior ones (in my eyes) and then messing about either in the forecourt or driving to a unknown tyre garage. I am just shocked that they are 1. claiming it takes 1hour in the workshop and 2. don't consider this a courtesy as ill be handing over 25k at the same time.
I agree, seems unreasonably expensive. Presumably you're keeping both sets of wheels so will have to fit 4 wheels and tyres in the car for the journey home, which should just about squeeze in.
Whislt it would be nice to have the 'right' set on the car at collection, a local tyre place (smaller independent one as opposed to ome that is part of a chains) is likely to do this type of swap for approx 20 quid.
-
The problem I have is that the dealer is not close to my home address, and its much simpler to change the alloys on the ramp with the pneumatic drill than by hand in the forecourt on the day of collection. Also having upgraded the alloys its much nicer to have a handover of the car with the better alloys and the inferior ones (in my eyes) and then messing about either in the forecourt or driving to a unknown tyre garage. I am just shocked that they are 1. claiming it takes 1hour in the workshop and 2. don't consider this a courtesy as ill be handing over 25k at the same time.
I agree, seems unreasonably expensive. Presumably you're keeping both sets of wheels so will have to fit 4 wheels and tyres in the car for the journey home, which should just about squeeze in.
Whislt it would be nice to have the 'right' set on the car at collection, a local tyre place (smaller independent one as opposed to ome that is part of a chains) is likely to do this type of swap for approx 20 quid.
I put 5 19" wheels with tyres in mine no problem.
-
Can the OP really be incapable of changing a wheel? I know its 4 but even with home DIY, it can't take you more than an hour tops.
With a brand new car the bolts won't be stuck and rusty, it will be a piece of cake.
-
Can the OP really be incapable of changing a wheel? I know its 4 but even with home DIY, it can't take you more than an hour tops.
With a brand new car the bolts won't be stuck and rusty, it will be a piece of cake.
Er......thanks. I am not claiming I am incapable, but doesn't it strike you as extremely ODD to arrive to collect your brand new car, presumable a really nice experience and instead, put on the gloves and overalls, break out the tyre wrench and jack and in the middle of the forecourt fiddle around with the car for about an hour.....when about 20m away there is an empty series of ramps and peumatic equipment exactly for this job (and would reduce the time needed to about 10mins). Presumably after getting dirty , you then continue with handover, and then drive back home (which is a fair journey).
-
Agreed, be nice to collect your brand new car and not have to change the wheels yourself. I think if you'd purchased the wheels from the dealer then there would be no issue or charge but you haven't. If you've screwed them down on price then they probably won't have much left to give away hence why they are charging £130.
-
Personally that is what I would do.
If dealership asked me to pay over a 100 for just swapping wheels, which will be done in 15 minutes tops with access to a lift and pneumatic driver..... though mine usually swaps over my summer / winter wheels FOC when I bring my car in for a service.
I once fitted and coded a set of used mk4 clocks for someone in a dealer forecourt as they refused to code second hand ones, despite saying they were no longer available as new spares. Probably made a few potential customers wonder if they should buy or service their cars there.
-
I would tell the dealer to f**k off 130 to swap 4 wheels over is taking the piss as your buying the car from them call there bluff and say you might cancel the order unless it's free :smiley:
-
2nd price comparison: just found that a mobile professional fitting company will come out to your ANY address, change over all four tyres fitting and balancing for £69 (with your alloys) (https://www.tyresonthedrive.com/services/seasonal-re-fit).....sorry I am on my high horse about this one!
-
If you've screwed them down on price then they probably won't have much left to give away hence why they are charging £130.
First I don't think its possible to "screw" a dealer on price. You cannot negotiate the margin to zero so there will always be a profit for them and this amount is known to the buyer. But lets say their margin is small....does that mean they jack up the prices on everything they will ever sell you in the future? Unless they are making literally tens of thousands in the deal they won't help you out with a service that costs them in realty about £20. has anyone heard of keeping customers happy these days?
-
£130 is just the hr rate & the VW book might say 1hr to allow fro any stuck bolts...
But to not want to swap the wheels yourself???....why not order the car with the wheels if they are VW alloys?...
Hang on you got them cheaper elsewhere...which is why the dealer is "screwing" you for fitting a VW product which you did not buy from them (dealer).
As for "spoiling the experience" as you put by having to drive home an incomplete car & then get mucky swapping stuff....
My dealer knows me & when I collected my special order car just stated "I suppose that wont remain standard for long..."....too right, drove home & swapped the alloys, fitted RGM rear & sill guards, VW mud flaps, under trays...& loads since
Admittedly I swap my wheels as I have one set of alloys for winter & one set for summer & sold the OEM VW alloys.....& both my sets are aftermarket, better built, lighter & British made.
Swapping a wheel on a new car is sooo easy & the tools required & skill level is what I consider the basics of owning a car...
-
GolfDave I am not sure you have read this thread. i am trying 1. the preserve the spare wheels and alloys which actually come with the car so I actually don't want to drive on them. 2. The preferred alloys aren't a factory option on that car even though they fit perfectly 3. this is a vw product as I already made clear. 4. I didnt say I was incapable but I am not sure how my capability even comes into the equation. 5. I never mentioned vw "screwing" me, someone else did. If you cannot see how this devalues the handover experience, then that's fine. 6. I am not out of options including breaking out the jack (which btw is no longer supplied with the car), but I surprised at how difficult this is when I am making a once in a lifetime purchase 7. allowing for stuck bolts on a brand new car? lol. Why not allow for bent wheel axle too just in case and book it in for 9 hours. Is it too much to ask for garages to charge for the time they actually take rather than the time they might want to take to do a job? Even then this is £130/per hour in labour charges (or more likely 6 times this in actual time taken)
-
Children, lets all stop getting hot under the collar about this lol.
The problem with main dealers is that the service dept will need to bill the sales dept which affects their margins, which they obviously want to pass on to the customer so as to keep their margin at whatever the deal was originally.
However as GolfDave has stated, you have obviously got the wheels from elsewhere (giving someone else the profit from the sale) then if I was the dealer, I'd charge you to do it as well. If you'd bought them from the dealer then I'd expect them to be fitted free anyway.
Also, you're banging on about the 'customer experience' of picking up a brand new car and not having to fit the wheels outside the dealership. Surely it's not that far off picking up your brand new car and driving it home with the original set of alloys in the boot (and back seat that you've had to fold down) as well as a trolley jack, chocks, etc too (as well as getting them to the dealer in the first place).
My guess from reading between the lines is you want to sell the original wheels on and if you've driven on them you feel you might get less for them.
Unfortunately it's the way of the world where margins have become so tight that anything extra that costs them money (bear in mind you'll be taking up ramp space that could be being used by a paying customer) isn't included unless you negotiated it in the original deal.
Unfortunately (despite you spending money on a new car with them) if you want something for free, you have to do it yourself nowadays.
-
Managed to read through 3 pages and here's my 2p:
The described situation is a problem for the OP clearly because of two things:
1) She wants to minimize the wear on the stock wheels and tyres since they are not going to be used.
2) She wants to have the ideal hand-over with the car being on the desired non-optional VW wheels.
All the comments about being incapable are irrelevant to say the least. You can have a hundred reasons to not wanting to change tyres yourself even though you're completely capable. So my advice:
For no.1: Hate to brake it to you but the car has already been driven on these wheels so driving an extra 5-10 miles (unless the dealership is at a very remote area) will make exactly 0 difference to their condition for anyone interested in buying them I can guarantee that. Dealers prices not always make sense and we are all aware. If the dealer quoted such a price to me I would just say thanks but you must be crazy and book it/drive it to the nearest tire fitter right after delivery.
For no.2: I can understand the desire for the car to look right from the start BUT: Delivery photos are never going to be as good as ones you can take at more ideal scenery and conditions later on. I can also guarantee that I have tenths of photos that look way better than the ones I took at the dealership during delivery, haven ever looked back at those. So, stop thinking about it, inspect the car, accept delivery if all good and drive to the closest tire fitter. Half and hour later and with 30 euros (or GBP) less you will so happy with your new car that you wil have forgotten all that.
-
Unfortunately, from past experience it doesn't surprise me that they say they will make a charge. Have you tried negotiating with them? Say you're disappointed that they are charging given that you are buying the car from them, but understand why they are, then ask whether they would not at least do it at half price? Or ask if they'll equal the price of the mobile service if you're happy with their price? Failing that, park the car right in the middle of the main roadway through the dealership and take an hour to do it yourself lol.
-
Unfortunately, from past experience it doesn't surprise me that they say they will make a charge. Have you tried negotiating with them? Say you're disappointed that they are charging given that you are buying the car from them, but understand why they are, then ask whether they would not at least do it at half price? Or ask if they'll equal the price of the mobile service if you're happy with their price? Failing that, park the car right in the middle of the main roadway through the dealership and take an hour to do it yourself lol.
Not only that, surely the car needs to go into the workshop to have its PDI so can't the wheel swap be done as part of that (I'm not sure if a PDI includes a check on the wheel nut torque but a wheel swap would ensure it does!)
So yes, I agree they should do it for free!
-
Ok, so it boils down to these choices:
1) Pay the £130 to the stealers
2) Negotiate a better price from the stealers
3) Arrange to meet a mobile fitter as close to the dealer as possible (car park nearby?) and pay them.
4) Get your overalls on and swap them yourself, preferably on the forecourt of the stealers for maximum impact.
30 pound plus VAT for a wheel change sounds about right for a main dealer, remember they charge something like 400 quid an hour for labour...
-
I wouldn't trust any VW dealer to swap over any wheels on any car without damaging them. If it were me I would pick the new car up drive away and get someone else to do the change over.
-
Christ, if you can't change a complete wheel without damaging it, you shouldn't be a mechanic!
Tyre changes are a bit more challenging and there are some who don't give a 5h1t and bugger them up...
-
dear all,
its helped to talk this through, and hear these opinions. thanks. MM
-
GolfDave I am not sure you have read this thread.
No I did read the thread... :wink:
Like I said you expect the dealer to remove your car wheels & fit other VW wheels which were purchased elsewhere....The dealer has every right to charge...& main dealers are known for being high prices.
As for "preserving & not driving the wheels", Your car has already been driven 10 to 30 miles as delivery...a few extra miles driving carefully from the dealer to home isn,t going to affect the resale value as it has already been affected as they have been driven on & don't have the tyre stickers on!
-
I would simply get a mobile guy to meet me on the dealers forecourt and do it there right after the handover! Problem solved!
-
Picking up a new car with half a tonne of wheels scattered around the interior will take the shine off the handover far more than the couple of quid difference you'd get in selling 100% virginal wheels versus ones with a couple hundred miles use on them.
Coming back up the motorway with that lot rattling around in the back, tyres squeaking against each other and the whole lot shifting in one mass every time you brake or corner...
Personally I'd wait until I got the car home having had a proper drive home in it sans wheels in the back to make sure all is well with the car.
Then just find a careful wheel and tyre place and slip them some cash to swap the wheels over for you locally, or get a mobile fitter to come to your home as previously suggested.
That's my thoughts.
-
Picking up a new car with half a tonne of wheels scattered around the interior will take the shine off the handover far more than the couple of quid difference you'd get in selling 100% virginal wheels versus ones with a couple hundred miles use on them.
Coming back up the motorway with that lot rattling around in the back, tyres squeaking against each other and the whole lot shifting in one mass every time you brake or corner...
Personally I'd wait until I got the car home having had a proper drive home in it sans wheels in the back to make sure all is well with the car.
Then just find a careful wheel and tyre place and slip them some cash to swap the wheels over for you locally, or get a mobile fitter to come to your home as previously suggested.
That's my thoughts.
100% agree
-
Spot on Exonian.
No way i'd be wanting to drive my brand new motor back from the stealers with back seats folded down with about 70kg of wheels and tyres rubbing against each other and my pristine interior.
Not to mention the hassle of getting the second set of wheels to the stealers in the first place.
For me this is a job best sorted out when you get home after picking the new car up.
-
I don't know how you lot drive lol, but I've had 4 19" wheels and tyres in the back of my cars quite a few times and I've never had a problem with them rattling around? :smiley:
-
I don't know how you lot drive lol, but I've had 4 19" wheels and tyres in the back of my cars quite a few times and I've never had a problem with them rattling around? :smiley:
Same here, I had 5 Lugano 19" wheels in the back of mine no problem. First one flat on its back on the folded rear seat back and the second resting one one side of that one. The other three were upright in the back with protective padding in between them and a lashing strap(small) around them with packing either side and a piece of 4x4 behind them. No noise from them and no damage to the car.
Had a lorry pull out in front of me years ago conning out of Salthill in Galway and had a 25 stone roller go straight the middle seat of a Toyota Hiace and it didn't stop before it went through the dash and the front of the van and down the road. After that I really learned how to tie stuff down.
-
What will you do if you get a puncture on the way home?
-
Next time you are at the garage go see the dealer principle (big boss ) or phone him and ask why they are not willing to change the wheels for a decent price and state you are very disappointed with the service you have had so far .
What dealer is it ?
-
I don't know how you lot drive lol, but I've had 4 19" wheels and tyres in the back of my cars quite a few times and I've never had a problem with them rattling around? :smiley:
I've transported plenty of sets myself.
The difference being I loaded them myself.
How much would you trust a dealer techie trying to be helpful and loading up four hefty wheels into a brand spanking new interior. The mere thought makes me shudder! :grin:
-
A decent set of wheel storage bags are a worthwhile investment if you’re transporting wheels with tyres fitted in your car. Helps to minimise the risk of damage to the car interior, and helps to keep the wheels clean and protected if you’re subsequently storing them.
-
Picking up a new car with half a tonne of wheels scattered around the interior will take the shine off the handover far more than the couple of quid difference you'd get in selling 100% virginal wheels
ok point taken but the wheels weight about 20kg each with tyres so its only like having a passenger. also, the reason to have the new wheels put on straight away was to get a great initial look on the car on handover not to sell later. I never said I was selling them, indeed I think its useful to keep them as a completely new spare set but I might eventually sell the car with the original set on. finally, as the dealer is not close I would be getting a lift, so with luck the wheels would not be in the new car but the run-around car that I get a lift in. However I appreciate your reply.
-
Picking up a new car with half a tonne of wheels scattered around the interior will take the shine off the handover far more than the couple of quid difference you'd get in selling 100% virginal wheels
ok point taken but the wheels weight about 20kg each with tyres so its only like having a passenger. also, the reason to have the new wheels put on straight away was to get a great initial look on the car on handover not to sell later. I never said I was selling them, indeed I think its useful to keep them as a completely new spare set but I might eventually sell the car with the original set on. finally, as the dealer is not close I would be getting a lift, so with luck the wheels would not be in the new car but the run-around car that I get a lift in. However I appreciate your reply.
Ahh, gotcha.
I thought maybe you'd be carrying the wheels to be fitted down in a part ex car, getting them unloaded and fitted to the new car then put in the back of said new car to drive home.
£130 is going to hurt but in the grand scheme of things it's about the same value as two weeks depreciation on a newish car :grin: and makes the handover hassle free.
Maybe ring someone further up the food chain in the dealership as suggested to try and get a bit of money off as a goodwill gesture.
I'd still want to wait until I got the car home myself. I don't like handovers as it is, the less fuss and drama the better for me.
In the back door and out the back door as quickly as possible so I can get home and familiarise myself with the car.
When I picked up my latest GTI they did the whole sheet over it, photos and filmed me driving it off and I felt a right tit. :laugh:
-
Picking up a new car with half a tonne of wheels scattered around the interior will take the shine off the handover far more than the couple of quid difference you'd get in selling 100% virginal wheels
ok point taken but the wheels weight about 20kg each with tyres so its only like having a passenger. also, the reason to have the new wheels put on straight away was to get a great initial look on the car on handover not to sell later. I never said I was selling them, indeed I think its useful to keep them as a completely new spare set but I might eventually sell the car with the original set on. finally, as the dealer is not close I would be getting a lift, so with luck the wheels would not be in the new car but the run-around car that I get a lift in. However I appreciate your reply.
Ahh, gotcha.
I thought maybe you'd be carrying the wheels to be fitted down in a part ex car, getting them unloaded and fitted to the new car then put in the back of said new car to drive home.
£130 is going to hurt but in the grand scheme of things it's about the same value as two weeks depreciation on a newish car :grin: and makes the handover hassle free.
Maybe ring someone further up the food chain in the dealership as suggested to try and get a bit of money off as a goodwill gesture.
I'd still want to wait until I got the car home myself. I don't like handovers as it is, the less fuss and drama the better for me.
In the back door and out the back door as quickly as possible so I can get home and familiarise myself with the car.
When I picked up my latest GTI they did the whole sheet over it, photos and filmed me driving it off and I felt a right tit. :laugh:
Same here, I hate all the fuss with the stupid covers and signs saying I'm ready to go home now. I tell the dealer I will need 30 minutes to an hour to check the car over.
-
^^ And here. I can understand the appeal of the whole 'ceremony' is exciting for some, perhaps if you're getting your first ever new car, but it would have me running for the "I'm ready to go home now" cover, and not for its intended purpose! No ta. An uber low key round the back of the bike sheds with the car unprepped, does nicely for me. :cool:
The intented purpose of the "I'm ready to go home now" cover is, of course, not its defining moment. No, that's it ensuring your new paintwork has an nice extra load more welcoming swirls, on top of the free of charge dealer supplied ones, when it's lifted from the floor of the showroom from where it landed from the last new car it was dragged off, before being very unceremoniously plonked on your new car to continue its sterling swirl inflicting work once more. New car unveiling anyone? :grin:
-
^^ And here. I can understand the appeal of the whole 'ceremony' is exciting for some, perhaps if you're getting your first ever new car, but it would have me running for the "I'm ready to go home now" cover, and not for its intended purpose! No ta. An uber low key round the back of the bike sheds with the car unprepped, does nicely for me. :cool:
The intented purpose of the "I'm ready to go home now" cover is, of course, not its defining moment. No, that's it ensuring your new paintwork has an nice extra load more welcoming swirls, on top of the free of charge dealer supplied ones, when it's lifted from the floor of the showroom from where it landed from the last new car it was dragged off, before being very unceremoniously plonked on your new car to continue its sterling swirl inflicting work once more. New car unveiling anyone? :grin:
You want to see what Audi dealers are like or at least the one I went to to collect a car with a family member. Surrounded by sales team clapping as the cover was taken off it, very chringy.
If they had of put a cover on mine it wouldn't have mattered because they managed to cover it with swirls without it.
-
^^ And here. I can understand the appeal of the whole 'ceremony' is exciting for some, perhaps if you're getting your first ever new car, but it would have me running for the "I'm ready to go home now" cover, and not for its intended purpose! No ta. An uber low key round the back of the bike sheds with the car unprepped, does nicely for me. :cool:
The intented purpose of the "I'm ready to go home now" cover is, of course, not its defining moment. No, that's it ensuring your new paintwork has an nice extra load more welcoming swirls, on top of the free of charge dealer supplied ones, when it's lifted from the floor of the showroom from where it landed from the last new car it was dragged off, before being very unceremoniously plonked on your new car to continue its sterling swirl inflicting work once more. New car unveiling anyone? :grin:
You want to see what Audi dealers are like or at least the one I went to to collect a car with a family member. Surrounded by sales team clapping as the cover was taken off it, very chringy.
If they had of put a cover on mine it wouldn't have mattered because they managed to cover it with swirls without it.
Trust me, I don't want to see what Audi dealers are like. :grin:
-
In Audi's case, you could use the cover to hide under when they do their pretentious clapping and cheering.
Bit naff...
-
Audi has changed then since I bought my A4 in 2003, went in, paid for it, picked up my paperwork and my car was just on the forecourt. Quick look over, told what some of the buttons did then off I went. Perfect, as was the car :smiley: (to me anyway).
-
Certainly not had the clapping & cheering with the ten Audi I have bought in my lifetime...not that I'm missing it by the sound of it :grin:
-
Try picking up a brand new, swirled to death, dark blue 3 series BMW.
It was spinning around under bright lights on a ridiculous rotating platform in all it's flawed glory.
I nearly pissed myself laughing and my mate who stupidly bought the thing, didn't know where to look :laugh:
-
I couldn't work in the motor trade...with the time & money constraints they put on new car prep, I'd be out of a job as I couldn't let cars leave like that
-
Just want to let you know this was eventually resolved with the help of the dealer principal. They finally agreed to do it for free on the day or handover.
-
Just want to let you know this was eventually resolved with the help of the dealer principal. They finally agreed to do it for free on the day or handover.
Result